Arsenal transfer news: Rodri calls on Man City to join race for Gunners target
Nico Williams had a host of European clubs eyeing his services after a stellar Euro 2024 and Rodri wants Manchester City to go after the winger, who is also on Arsenal's radar
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorArsenal could face competition for Nico Williams should they renew their interest with Rodri urging Manchester City to join the race.
The Spanish winger was one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024, scoring in the final as his country claimed glory over England. After the tournament there was a clamour to sign the Athletic Bilbao winger, with the Gunners among those leading the race.
Williams chose to remain at San Mames, even though the La Liga outfit have often sold their best players for the right fee. January presents another chance for Europe's top outfits to try and tempt the winger and Rodri wants City to go after his compatriot.
He was at an AS awards ceremony in Madrid on Monday evening asked by the host if he would "take Williams to City tomorrow" - Rodri replied: "Yes, yes. Right now if I was taking him I would also be taking him to teach him a little bit about the cold in England, although it’s similar to Bilbao. But yes, I would take him with me without a doubt."
Williams has a relatively modest €58million (£48.1m) release clause in his contract with the Bilbao outfit but his €200,000-a-week (£166,000) salary was believed to have been a major hurdle for interested clubs back in the summer window.
Those figures though are unlikely to put City off should they want to make a move in the New Year, especially with their season in need of a fresh injection as they face falling out of the title race, which also involves Mikel Arteta's side.
The north Londoners have a relatively settled forward line. Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have all interchanged as Arteta continues to shuffle his options across the various competitions.
When asked about his future in September, Williams showed no desire to leave Spain, despite being touched by the mounting interest in him. He said: "It’s always flattering to know that big teams have you on their agenda. But I’ve always been clear that I wanted to be here. Athletic is a different feeling that you don’t get at other clubs. I’m really looking forward to doing things well at this club.
"There were approaches from many clubs. My heart is with Athletic. I have a contract here, but who knows what will happen in the future. I wanted to stay here because playing in Europe with Athletic was what I was most excited about."
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